What are the most comfortable shoes to wear when traveling?

For a comfortable and convenient trip, in addition to planning the itinerary, preparing information, and choosing appropriate clothing, it's crucial to select suitable footwear for sightseeing.

Even when hiking or trekking, wearing the right shoes can affect the entire trip.

So how do you choose stylish and suitable shoes for your trip?

First, you need to determine the purpose of your trip to choose the appropriate footwear. Going to the beach, hiking, trekking in the desert, or on a relaxing vacation? What will your main mode of transportation be: subway, high-speed train, car, plane, motorbike, walking, or boating on the river...?

1. Take a short walk around the city.

Athletic shoes with good grip are ideal for short walks. Photo: Internet

For trips to vibrant, modern cities where you mainly travel by public transport and explore the city and shopping malls on foot, you should choose sneakers, slip-on shoes, or sandals with good traction, breathable materials, and comfortable fit.

You should bring the shoes you usually wear at home, not a brand new pair, because you won't be used to them and they might be too tight, too loose, or uncomfortable.

Slip-on shoes are ideal for short walks. Photo: Internet

2. Go to the beach, visit the riverine areas.

Sandals with soft soles and quick drainage are suitable for trips involving wading through streams and trekking through forests. Photo: Internet

You should bring a pair of sandals and a pair of flip-flops for strolling on the beach. The "magical sandals" easily pair with maxi dresses, bikinis, or a crop top and shorts set, creating a youthful and energetic look.

When choosing sandals, you should opt for a type with a soft, waterproof sole and a non-slip, grippy bottom to prevent falls. These types of sandals are very convenient for walks on the beach or boat trips on rivers and seas, as they are lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and quick-drying.

Beach sandals. Photo: Internet

Espadrille sandals are also suitable for walking on the beach, as their soles are made from straw, which is soft and dries very quickly if it gets wet. Espadrille sandals provide a soft and comfortable feeling for the feet.

Additionally, you should also bring a pair of flip-flops for walking on the beach in case your hotel doesn't provide them.

3. Short-term hiking, forest trekking, sand dune exploration…

If you're going hiking, trekking through sand dunes, or hiking in the forest for 1-3 days, you should choose sturdy, comfortable, easy-to-wear athletic shoes made of good quality, breathable material, and with water-resistant properties.

When hiking or mountain climbing, most of the time is spent moving and exercising, so the role of a good pair of shoes is extremely important. If you wear poor-quality shoes, your feet will hurt, feel hot and uncomfortable, and you will have difficulty having a comfortable and successful trip.

You can also bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals so that you can comfortably walk around during your breaks.

4. Long-distance mountain trekking

Specialized trekking shoes. Photo: Internet

For long treks in challenging terrain or high mountains, a good pair of specialized trekking shoes is essential. Shoes will help protect your feet during the arduous journey.

If the terrain you'll be traversing involves crossing streams and waterfalls, you should bring a pair of waterproof shoes that dry quickly and drain water efficiently. Hiking shoe soles are usually made of rubber, which is more abrasion-resistant, harder, and less elastic than regular athletic or running shoes, but still softer and more resilient than protective footwear.

You should also choose shoes with sufficiently soft and elastic insoles that hug your feet without being restrictive. The thickness and elasticity of the inner lining create a flexible space even after you've chosen a snug-fitting shoe size, moving with the movement of your foot and ankle, reducing friction and minimizing the risk of blisters from prolonged walking.

5. Trips that combine diverse terrains

If your trip involves a variety of terrains, from mountain climbing and hiking to sand dune climbing and going to the beach, you should bring at least two pairs of athletic shoes, one pair of sandals, and one pair of flip-flops to change into to suit different conditions.

6. Certain types of shoes should not be brought along.

First, there are high heels, because walking a lot will cause extreme foot pain and you might sprain or dislocate your ankle. If you're on vacation and won't be doing much walking, you can bring comfortable and lightweight high heels.

Secondly, there are sandals with laces and intricate knots. You'll waste a lot of time taking them off and putting them on.

Thirdly, there are shoes and sandals with rhinestones. When you walk or wade through water, the rhinestones can easily come loose, break, or shatter, potentially causing injury to your feet.

Fourth, avoid shoes with straps that are too tight or too flimsy and loose. Tight straps will cause discomfort to your feet, while flimsy straps can easily break on the go.